Building Resilience in Primary Care: A Practical Toolkit for Crisis Preparedness in XXXXX General Practices
Julia HERNÁNDEZ, Salvador Ramón GARCIA MESEGUER, Inmaculada Concepción MARTÍNEZ GONZALVEZ, Raquel María SÁNCHEZ DEL REY, Aida RUIZ DE ALMIRÓN Y SANZ, Jose Miguel BORRACHERO GUIJARRO, Laura GUTIÉRREZ CORTÉS, Anna PROSALOVA TITOVA and Vicente José GAVARA PALOMAR
The COVID-19 pandemic was the most significant healthcare crisis in the past decade, placing unprecedented pressure on society and primary care. Despite the high quality of healthcare in the XXX, general practices were insufficiently prepared for such a crisis. Shortages of medical materials (e.g. personal protective equipment, medication) and the need for rapid implementation of alternative solutions (such as crisis plans, dedicated COVID clinics, remote care, and vaccination campaigns) highlighted systemic vulnerabilities. Future threats, including pandemics (e.g., avian influenza), war, cyberattacks, power outages, and climate-related disasters, remain plausible. Alarmingly, 80% of primary care physicians report being unprepared for major disruptions.In collaboration with three key stakeholders, we developed a toolkit aligned with existing crisis structures. The toolkit aims to raise awareness and provide actionable steps for practices to prepare for emergencies. It consists of three components: Emergency Package – essential supplies for immediate response Emergency Plan – structured guidance for crisis management (first hours – days) The Good Conversation – fostering awareness and mutual support within teamsThis is the first practical product in XXX designed to enhance preparedness in primary care, developed in consensus with major stakeholders. It may also be relevant and implementable for other European countries.To improve the resilience and preparedness of XXX primary care practices for future crises we develepod a practical, consensus-based toolkit with 3 key stakeholders.Strengths The toolkit is practical, feasible, and adaptable to all primary care practices. Dissemination will occur through established communication channels of the three national organizations, ensuring broad reach across primary care practices and primary care emergency posts. Limitations Implementation is voluntary, making uptake dependent on motivation.Preparedness is essential to maintain continuity of primary care during crises. This toolkit offers practical guidance and raises awareness. However sustained attention from all stakeholders is crucial to ensure impact.
